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BPS E-News: West Hayden Island public process moves forward with public hearings

The project to consider annexation of and zoning for West Hayden Island is continuing to move through the public process, with the release of the City’s first project-oriented health analysis followed by public hearings with the Planning and Sustainability Commission.

The WHI Health Analysis was prepared through a partnership between the Multnomah County Health Department, Upstream Public Health, Oregon Public Health Institute and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. The evaluation identifies a range of potential impacts — both positive and negative — including air quality, noise, traffic safety and employment. The findings are based on the WHI Concept Plan and the zoning proposal that are being presented to the Planning and Sustainability Commission for consideration.

This is the first time the City has partnered with health professionals to evaluate a zoning decision. The recently adopted Portland Plan stated the City's intention to incorporate public health considerations into its land use planning work. This report is an example of how that element of the Portland Plan can be implemented. This health analysis constitutes Step 1 of a two-step process to evaluate health impacts of potential marine terminal development on the community. The second part would be conducted if and when a specific development proposal for a marine terminal is on the table.

Staff briefed the Planning and Sustainability Commission on the health analysis on Nov. 13, followed by a public hearing on Nov. 15. A second hearing and worksession with the PSC is scheduled for Nov. 27.